Rep. Paul will vote for impeachment hearings PDF Print E-mail
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:Thursday, October 8, 1998

Rep. Paul will vote for impeachment hearings Says credible evidence exists, so House must investigate

WASHINGTON, DC - The United States House of Representatives will later this week consider legislation opening a formal inquiry into impeachment of the President.

Rep. Paul said he will vote to begin impeachment hearings.

"I was an original cosponsor of legislation more than a year ago to begin the impeachment process based on credible evidence that the President violated the constitutionally-protected privacy rights of hundreds of Americans by illegally possessing and using confidential FBI files," said Rep. Paul. "In addition, allegations that he traded away advanced, secret missile technology in exchange for campaign donations from the communist Chinese government are extremely troubling."

While allegations of obstruction of justice and lying under oath are "serious and merit investigation," Rep. Paul said he is most concerned by the allegations of the sale of defense secrets, and violations of people's privacy rights.

The U.S. Constitution requires that Congress, and Congress alone, investigate allegations of wrong-doing by a sitting president. The Constitution states that a president may be impeached for treason, bribery or other "high crimes or misdemeanors."

"Allegations of crimes against our Constitution - selling out our national defense and violations of privacy - are indeed serious and Congress has a solemn responsibility to investigate these matters fully and completely." Added Rep. Paul, "This is a serious issue, and one I do not take lightly. I swore an Oath to uphold the Constitution and our laws, and so I will cast a vote in favor of beginning impeachment hearings."

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